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Starbound
Republished as Nerd Love
ASIN B07MCDLNBP moved to the most recent edition here
World renowned sci-fi television star Reese Simmons looks like she has it all – fame, wealth, a slew of beautiful women who follow her every move. Except Reese’s life is crumbling around her. She hates her job and is constantly accused of being a “reckless party animal.” Reese’s agent decides the one surefire way to get her image back on track. She has to date the worst person in the entire universe, her co-star Justine Turner.
Her solution: she needs a fake girlfriend. And fast.
Enter Lucy, the BFF. Game store manager, board game geek, the world’s most AMAZING cosplayer, and Reese’s best friend practically since birth. When Lucy finds out Reese’s predicament, there seems like only one solution: pose as fake girlfriends. And Lucy is more than willing to play the part. She’d do anything for Reese – even if it means entirely too romantic tales about their relationship, hearing she’s “incredibly beautiful”, and expert kisses in public.
The problem: Reese and Lucy have been in love with each other all their lives—and they’re both completely clueless.
This book features two best friends, roleplaying games, and countless ‘fake’ kisses and begs the question:
Who wants a real girlfriend when faking is so much fun?
ASIN B07MCDLNBP moved to the most recent edition here
World renowned sci-fi television star Reese Simmons looks like she has it all – fame, wealth, a slew of beautiful women who follow her every move. Except Reese’s life is crumbling around her. She hates her job and is constantly accused of being a “reckless party animal.” Reese’s agent decides the one surefire way to get her image back on track. She has to date the worst person in the entire universe, her co-star Justine Turner.
Her solution: she needs a fake girlfriend. And fast.
Enter Lucy, the BFF. Game store manager, board game geek, the world’s most AMAZING cosplayer, and Reese’s best friend practically since birth. When Lucy finds out Reese’s predicament, there seems like only one solution: pose as fake girlfriends. And Lucy is more than willing to play the part. She’d do anything for Reese – even if it means entirely too romantic tales about their relationship, hearing she’s “incredibly beautiful”, and expert kisses in public.
The problem: Reese and Lucy have been in love with each other all their lives—and they’re both completely clueless.
This book features two best friends, roleplaying games, and countless ‘fake’ kisses and begs the question:
Who wants a real girlfriend when faking is so much fun?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2019
76 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Magnolia Robbins
19 books120 followersMaggie is a bestselling queer romance author from the west coast. When she isn't writing, you'll almost always find a cup of coffee in her hands.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 18, 2019
Many years ago, the freezer in my family home decided to retire without notice. Before the fish joined the freezer, my sister made a big pot of fish curry loaded with okras and tomatoes. The sauce - thick and spicy. The fish - melted in the mouth. It was and till today, the best fish curry I ever had. Unfortunately, the curries after were not as good. I told my sister repeatedly that her curry making gift was a one hit wonder.
Hopefully Ms.Robbins does not fall into the same category. Forbidden Melody is and forever will be one of the best romance book I have ever read. It has everything romance addicts could ask for. One of the best first meeting between the hs + they go through hate - tolerable - like - love with beautiful music accompanying them every step of the way.
Starbound misses many checkpoints, the major one - For two individuals who have been friends for many years, I couldn't feel their friendship vibe, and they lack in everything else especially chemistry. The storyline, nothing special, my fauxmance tolerance expired a few books ago. Why read this then? I can't resist the Robbins combo - Baskin and Magnolia.
I'm not asking for back to back wins from Ms.Robbins but I strongly believe I that she can pull out more Pokemons from the Poké Ball and that is why I am not giving up on her. Forbidden Melody is an unforgettable gift and I am forever a fan.
The two stars are for Lucy - her soft spot for others and her ability to name all one hundred and fifty original Pokemons are truly amazing.
A few of my favorite Pokemons are Squirtle, Jigglypuff, and Koffing. 💕
Hopefully Ms.Robbins does not fall into the same category. Forbidden Melody is and forever will be one of the best romance book I have ever read. It has everything romance addicts could ask for. One of the best first meeting between the hs + they go through hate - tolerable - like - love with beautiful music accompanying them every step of the way.
Starbound misses many checkpoints, the major one - For two individuals who have been friends for many years, I couldn't feel their friendship vibe, and they lack in everything else especially chemistry. The storyline, nothing special, my fauxmance tolerance expired a few books ago. Why read this then? I can't resist the Robbins combo - Baskin and Magnolia.
I'm not asking for back to back wins from Ms.Robbins but I strongly believe I that she can pull out more Pokemons from the Poké Ball and that is why I am not giving up on her. Forbidden Melody is an unforgettable gift and I am forever a fan.
The two stars are for Lucy - her soft spot for others and her ability to name all one hundred and fifty original Pokemons are truly amazing.
A few of my favorite Pokemons are Squirtle, Jigglypuff, and Koffing. 💕
January 15, 2019
I expected more
After falling in love with Robbin's 'Forbidden Melody,' my expectations were high. This didn't live up to them.
Don't get me wrong. It was OK. Maybe I am unfairly comparing.
Reese is a television star. Her best friend, Lucy, is a nerd that works in a comic/game store.
Reese's agent wants her to date her costar, Justine, to drum up good plublicity for the show. Reese highly dislikes Justine and has no intention of doing that.
As fate would have it, Reese and Lucy get photographed by paps and the world suddenly thinks they are an item. And they agree to play along for awhile.
Some of this was hard for me to believe. Why Reese would ever consider dating her best friend (Who writes creepy fanfiction for Reese's show), I'll never understand.
There is a part where Reese is describing football to Lucy but calls the point after attempt a field goal.
Things progressed a little too quickly for me. Not even one conversation about how this could negatively impact their friendship.
Lucy was this geeky girl that plays D&D. But was a tiger when intimate. It just didn't feel true to the character.
I think I am just disappointed and overly picky about it.
It was decently written. Not any editing issues that stood out. The story was cute but a little predictable. Just OK.
After falling in love with Robbin's 'Forbidden Melody,' my expectations were high. This didn't live up to them.
Don't get me wrong. It was OK. Maybe I am unfairly comparing.
Reese is a television star. Her best friend, Lucy, is a nerd that works in a comic/game store.
Reese's agent wants her to date her costar, Justine, to drum up good plublicity for the show. Reese highly dislikes Justine and has no intention of doing that.
As fate would have it, Reese and Lucy get photographed by paps and the world suddenly thinks they are an item. And they agree to play along for awhile.
Some of this was hard for me to believe. Why Reese would ever consider dating her best friend (Who writes creepy fanfiction for Reese's show), I'll never understand.
There is a part where Reese is describing football to Lucy but calls the point after attempt a field goal.
Things progressed a little too quickly for me. Not even one conversation about how this could negatively impact their friendship.
Lucy was this geeky girl that plays D&D. But was a tiger when intimate. It just didn't feel true to the character.
I think I am just disappointed and overly picky about it.
It was decently written. Not any editing issues that stood out. The story was cute but a little predictable. Just OK.
April 30, 2019
Usually I love fauxmances and friends to lovers books. This one however I didn’t. I don’t know exactly why, but one factor was That at more than 25% of the book still not nothing really happened towards building the relationship of the two main characters. This too long introduction introduction to the romance and the main characters and their lives I found it boring. Maybe because Reese especially is such an immature person and I felt that most of this 25% was unnecessary as it didn’t add to the story build up. Maybe it’s nee, because others seem to like this book, but I couldn’t find the interest to read on and finish this book.
January 14, 2019
Forbidden Melody is one of my top 5 favorite books from last year. Just wowed me from start to finish so I’ve been meaning to read another of Magnolia Robbins’ books.
Starbound is a celebration of all things nerdy—Gaming, Comic Books, Cosplay, miniatures, D&D, and SciFi shows. Lucy is a very sweet, young woman who works at a comic book/gaming shop long after she should have probably moved on. For whatever reason, she just can’t make the break even though she’s smart, a college graduate, and closing in on 30. Her best friend since childhood, Reese, is a big star on a hot SciFi show, a womanizer, and a bit of a hard drinker. Their common ground is that they’ve loved and trusted each other forever.
There is a slight faux romance plot but it quickly becomes more a plot about friends to lovers and the risks involved. For the first time in reading, I understand when reviewers say that the characters don’t seem their age. I couldn’t buy that the two mc’s were in their late 20’s. They seemed more like college age or 22-23, just making their way out in the world. In all fairness, I wonder if that was intentional on the part of the author, both characters needing to finally grow up.
It’s a lighter book and enjoyable. Very quick read and if you’re a nerd or nerd friendly, you’ll smirk at the references. Sports fans, however, might cringe at Reese’s “expert knowledge” of football. Point after or extra point, damn it, not field goal. Thanks to the author for sending an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Starbound is a celebration of all things nerdy—Gaming, Comic Books, Cosplay, miniatures, D&D, and SciFi shows. Lucy is a very sweet, young woman who works at a comic book/gaming shop long after she should have probably moved on. For whatever reason, she just can’t make the break even though she’s smart, a college graduate, and closing in on 30. Her best friend since childhood, Reese, is a big star on a hot SciFi show, a womanizer, and a bit of a hard drinker. Their common ground is that they’ve loved and trusted each other forever.
There is a slight faux romance plot but it quickly becomes more a plot about friends to lovers and the risks involved. For the first time in reading, I understand when reviewers say that the characters don’t seem their age. I couldn’t buy that the two mc’s were in their late 20’s. They seemed more like college age or 22-23, just making their way out in the world. In all fairness, I wonder if that was intentional on the part of the author, both characters needing to finally grow up.
It’s a lighter book and enjoyable. Very quick read and if you’re a nerd or nerd friendly, you’ll smirk at the references. Sports fans, however, might cringe at Reese’s “expert knowledge” of football. Point after or extra point, damn it, not field goal. Thanks to the author for sending an arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2019
2.5 rounded.
Meh. I like friends to lovers and fake relationships, but this one just didn’t do it for me.
For two people who have been friends for many years, there are a lot of aspects of each other’s lives that they know nothing about. The agent character was super annoying.
Can’t really explain why, but I kind of got a fanfic vibe from this...even though I know that it wasn’t.
Meh. I like friends to lovers and fake relationships, but this one just didn’t do it for me.
For two people who have been friends for many years, there are a lot of aspects of each other’s lives that they know nothing about. The agent character was super annoying.
Can’t really explain why, but I kind of got a fanfic vibe from this...even though I know that it wasn’t.
August 15, 2019
“Nerd Love” was enjoyable, and while the narration was terrific, I was disappointed in the story, primarily because I didn’t particularly like either MC.
MC Reese, a hugely successful actress, is extremely self-centered (though is is extremely kind and focused on helping her parents). She is very shallow, seriously immature, and frequently makes HUGE mistakes after drinking too much. I wish someone in the book had confronted her to help with what is clearly a drinking problem.
MC Lucy is very sweet, but is a serious underachiever for 95% of the book. Jokes abound about straight women feeling like the only available men are 30ish somethings living in their parent’s basement playing video games. Lucy is pretty much the female version of that trope.
I love nerds, and I was disappointed that Reese made fun of nerds, her fans and Lucy alike. Lucy was just too much the stereotype nerd rather than the nerd-on-the-surface who is really so much more complex.
Overall, I rate “Nerd Love” 3*, although the narrator gave a 4* performance!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
My rating and my review was not in anyway affected by my having been provided a review copy.
MC Reese, a hugely successful actress, is extremely self-centered (though is is extremely kind and focused on helping her parents). She is very shallow, seriously immature, and frequently makes HUGE mistakes after drinking too much. I wish someone in the book had confronted her to help with what is clearly a drinking problem.
MC Lucy is very sweet, but is a serious underachiever for 95% of the book. Jokes abound about straight women feeling like the only available men are 30ish somethings living in their parent’s basement playing video games. Lucy is pretty much the female version of that trope.
I love nerds, and I was disappointed that Reese made fun of nerds, her fans and Lucy alike. Lucy was just too much the stereotype nerd rather than the nerd-on-the-surface who is really so much more complex.
Overall, I rate “Nerd Love” 3*, although the narrator gave a 4* performance!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
My rating and my review was not in anyway affected by my having been provided a review copy.
July 4, 2022
Friends to lovers story in which faking as lovers ended up with them really in cupidsville.
The author's writing style reads better for me in this book. In a sweet entertaining read.
The author's writing style reads better for me in this book. In a sweet entertaining read.
March 17, 2019
A book by the author who wrote one of my all-time favourites (Forbidden Melody) and featuring a fauxmance? OMG, Yes please! I couldn't believe my luck that this was on KU. .... Well, in the end, it was all a bit disappointing really.
This is no Forbidden Melody. I think Robbins does excellent research. She wrote music so well in Forbidden Melody, and here she writes... Dungeons and Dragons, cons, sci-fi, board games, geeks, and pokemon with the same detail obsessed perfection. But as themes they are not really quite as evocative as a masterpiece by Chopin.
The fauxmance disappointed me. Largely because my favourite fauxmances involve enemies becoming lovers. You get all the slow-growing attraction, doubt, insecurity and all that jazz. Here we have lifelong best friends falling in love via fauxmance. Best friends falling in love is one of my least favourite tropes. If you have a relationship with a lot of liking, and commitment, it is not clear to me where the passion comes from after 20 years of not being there. But. hey ho.
The story is... unfocused, the characters a bit two-dimensional and not very easy to like. I found this one a bit... cardboard cut-out bland....
This is no Forbidden Melody. I think Robbins does excellent research. She wrote music so well in Forbidden Melody, and here she writes... Dungeons and Dragons, cons, sci-fi, board games, geeks, and pokemon with the same detail obsessed perfection. But as themes they are not really quite as evocative as a masterpiece by Chopin.
The fauxmance disappointed me. Largely because my favourite fauxmances involve enemies becoming lovers. You get all the slow-growing attraction, doubt, insecurity and all that jazz. Here we have lifelong best friends falling in love via fauxmance. Best friends falling in love is one of my least favourite tropes. If you have a relationship with a lot of liking, and commitment, it is not clear to me where the passion comes from after 20 years of not being there. But. hey ho.
The story is... unfocused, the characters a bit two-dimensional and not very easy to like. I found this one a bit... cardboard cut-out bland....
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January 24, 2019
Loved it!
I love the characters and that it was a live between best friends! I even blushed in occasion. Thanks and look forward to more of your stories
I love the characters and that it was a live between best friends! I even blushed in occasion. Thanks and look forward to more of your stories
January 12, 2019
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this read. The two main characters were very well written and the best friends to lovers as well as butch/femme (in this case femme nerdy) are some of my favorite themes to read. I will say that the two "villians" in this book were really annoying and I hated them. The story does focus on Lucy and Reese amd though there were a few side stories, nothing took any real root. I would have liked more story involving what happened in between Reese's announcement tv and the ending; more details and maybe angst...
Regardless, i enjoyed it and I think fans of Robbins will too!!
I really enjoyed this read. The two main characters were very well written and the best friends to lovers as well as butch/femme (in this case femme nerdy) are some of my favorite themes to read. I will say that the two "villians" in this book were really annoying and I hated them. The story does focus on Lucy and Reese amd though there were a few side stories, nothing took any real root. I would have liked more story involving what happened in between Reese's announcement tv and the ending; more details and maybe angst...
Regardless, i enjoyed it and I think fans of Robbins will too!!
April 4, 2019
As someone who loves dice and card games, has a monthly comic book expense and loves sci-fi, I thought this would be right up my alley; A love story against a backdrop I could get down with.
I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to. There was something that felt juvenile about the story. I thought the conflict Reese had with her agent and Justine could have been better flushed out. I didn’t really understand the ‘why’ behind it. I didn’t particularly enjoy Lucy’s fan fiction inserts. It was more distracting for me.
The story does have some bright spots and sweet moments. It just wasn’t enough to make me want to come back to ever revisit this story.
I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to. There was something that felt juvenile about the story. I thought the conflict Reese had with her agent and Justine could have been better flushed out. I didn’t really understand the ‘why’ behind it. I didn’t particularly enjoy Lucy’s fan fiction inserts. It was more distracting for me.
The story does have some bright spots and sweet moments. It just wasn’t enough to make me want to come back to ever revisit this story.
July 28, 2019
A Cute Friends-to-Lovers Story
Welcome to my very first romance/romantic comedy book review. I’ve been wanting to dive into this world but I had no idea where to start. When I saw this book I figured it was going to be the one for me. So, forgive me as I’m just getting into this world and as an atypical romance audiobook lover I’ll probably like things that others wouldn’t and I’ll probably not be bothered by other things.
First and foremost – I knew going into this that if Robbins screwer up the nerdy parts of it that it was going to ruin the book. Thankfully she didn’t at all. There were lots of references to old science fiction that were spot on. DnD games that were played properly and mentions of cosplay and other events at San Diego Comic Con. Robbins is either a nerd, knows a nerd, or seriously did her research for this book. Kudos for that.
Now, onto the love story. I’ve been a long-time fan of romantic comedies. 10 Things I Hate About You, 13 Going On 30, and Hitch being three of my favorite movies. If I was going to compare this to a movie – I would definitely say 13 Going on 30’s plot line (falling for your best friend) with Big Bang Theory nerdiness thrown in.
This is a FF story that I thought was well written. There were two main sex scenes that felt passionate and real. The love and move into and towards love was also well played out (going back and forth and wavering from time to time). Lucy was definitely hurt a few times and Reese wasn’t the best person in the world for her – but I also get why Robbins threw in the ups and downs that she did.
I liked this a lot more than I thought I was going to and I look forward to getting into more books in this genre. I particularly liked that it wasn’t super smut-heavy and it was much more about their dance around each other than about the actual acts (though, of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sex).
Alicia Foreman did a pretty good job with the narration. I liked her pacing, tones, and overall vibe while reading. My only issue was that if Robbins hadn’t told me which point of view we were listening to – I probably wouldn’t have gotten it. The two MC’s were too similarly voiced for me to be able to pick it up quickly and know who was who. But, it didn’t take away from the story since I knew via the book who was actually talking.
Overall, for a new-to-romance guy – this was a win from me. I found myself wanting to listen to more even after it was over.
Welcome to my very first romance/romantic comedy book review. I’ve been wanting to dive into this world but I had no idea where to start. When I saw this book I figured it was going to be the one for me. So, forgive me as I’m just getting into this world and as an atypical romance audiobook lover I’ll probably like things that others wouldn’t and I’ll probably not be bothered by other things.
First and foremost – I knew going into this that if Robbins screwer up the nerdy parts of it that it was going to ruin the book. Thankfully she didn’t at all. There were lots of references to old science fiction that were spot on. DnD games that were played properly and mentions of cosplay and other events at San Diego Comic Con. Robbins is either a nerd, knows a nerd, or seriously did her research for this book. Kudos for that.
Now, onto the love story. I’ve been a long-time fan of romantic comedies. 10 Things I Hate About You, 13 Going On 30, and Hitch being three of my favorite movies. If I was going to compare this to a movie – I would definitely say 13 Going on 30’s plot line (falling for your best friend) with Big Bang Theory nerdiness thrown in.
This is a FF story that I thought was well written. There were two main sex scenes that felt passionate and real. The love and move into and towards love was also well played out (going back and forth and wavering from time to time). Lucy was definitely hurt a few times and Reese wasn’t the best person in the world for her – but I also get why Robbins threw in the ups and downs that she did.
I liked this a lot more than I thought I was going to and I look forward to getting into more books in this genre. I particularly liked that it wasn’t super smut-heavy and it was much more about their dance around each other than about the actual acts (though, of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sex).
Alicia Foreman did a pretty good job with the narration. I liked her pacing, tones, and overall vibe while reading. My only issue was that if Robbins hadn’t told me which point of view we were listening to – I probably wouldn’t have gotten it. The two MC’s were too similarly voiced for me to be able to pick it up quickly and know who was who. But, it didn’t take away from the story since I knew via the book who was actually talking.
Overall, for a new-to-romance guy – this was a win from me. I found myself wanting to listen to more even after it was over.
April 14, 2019
Aw, I wanted to like this book. I adore nothing more than stories of besties falling in love. Alas, I’ve only unkind words...
Mediocre, unrefined writing. Periods were employed wantonly, inserted to chop sentences up in barbaric fashion merely in an attempt to create a sort of tempo/dramatic effect. Sentences starting with verbs that contained not the slightest pronoun—I do get the intention, as someone who plays with words, but it just didn’t work here the way it was executed. Then there were more basic mistakes that lead me to think this work was either rushed or lacked editing. Or both! Unfortunate.
Also, the author didn’t do enough research on a subject she employed significantly yet was unfamiliar with. Specifically, Dungeons and Dragons. Those scenes were blatantly engineered from imagination, based upon cursory knowledge at best. The nerdy/geeky world she potted one of her protagonists in didn’t feel genuine, and so her character suffered in credibility as a result. I’ve never played pen-and-paper DnD, though I am somewhat acquainted with literature pertaining to it. Even so, I could see the author picked monsters at semi-random (casual nature of the names?), not respecting the fact that people struggling to kill a goblin would likely get murdered by werewolves. Then zombies, followed by a dragon? Though I’ll admit I looked those monsters up to confirm the suspicions I had when reading. Anyway, this is just me nitpicking.
Had the prose flowed better, had the characters been more believable and engaging, I’d not have minded any lack of expertise. But I’m sorry, even if I’m sure words like these are unpleasant, I just can’t say this was very well written, and I’d suspect the author cannot be extremely proud either. Do keep writing though, Lucy!
On the bright side, I did finish the book.
Edit: Wait, there WERE cute moments. Only, the flaws came later so they stuck more, for me.
Mediocre, unrefined writing. Periods were employed wantonly, inserted to chop sentences up in barbaric fashion merely in an attempt to create a sort of tempo/dramatic effect. Sentences starting with verbs that contained not the slightest pronoun—I do get the intention, as someone who plays with words, but it just didn’t work here the way it was executed. Then there were more basic mistakes that lead me to think this work was either rushed or lacked editing. Or both! Unfortunate.
Also, the author didn’t do enough research on a subject she employed significantly yet was unfamiliar with. Specifically, Dungeons and Dragons. Those scenes were blatantly engineered from imagination, based upon cursory knowledge at best. The nerdy/geeky world she potted one of her protagonists in didn’t feel genuine, and so her character suffered in credibility as a result. I’ve never played pen-and-paper DnD, though I am somewhat acquainted with literature pertaining to it. Even so, I could see the author picked monsters at semi-random (casual nature of the names?), not respecting the fact that people struggling to kill a goblin would likely get murdered by werewolves. Then zombies, followed by a dragon? Though I’ll admit I looked those monsters up to confirm the suspicions I had when reading. Anyway, this is just me nitpicking.
Had the prose flowed better, had the characters been more believable and engaging, I’d not have minded any lack of expertise. But I’m sorry, even if I’m sure words like these are unpleasant, I just can’t say this was very well written, and I’d suspect the author cannot be extremely proud either. Do keep writing though, Lucy!
On the bright side, I did finish the book.
Edit: Wait, there WERE cute moments. Only, the flaws came later so they stuck more, for me.
September 18, 2020
Third times the charm!
This will have been my third Magnolia Robbins book, almost back-to-back-to-back. This was a cute, sweet, and yes, nerdy tale about two best friends who couldn't be more different. One was a handsome, charismatic, famous actress with that butch charm, and the other was a quiet mouse who loved her job at the gaming store and thrived on kicking her friends' butts at D&D on break time. About a quarter of the way into the story I had a sneaking suspicion as to where the plot was driving us, and it wasn't all bad. I liked the faux-mance between the two main characters, it was fun and funny at times. I really liked how the author didn't make the two women pull away because one suddenly grew a conscious, no, none of that. It was straight to sex and man, was it hot. Who knew the meek and mild, quiet nerd would be the more dominant one in bed? I didn't, and the butch certainly didn't mind. Their romantic relationship came as second nature to them because they had already established a friendship years before, so everything was comfortable between them. Only now, they could truly express their attractiveness toward one another without any awkwardness. The only gripe I have about this book was when one of them made a mistake, the other refused to listen to reason and made immediate assumptions, which then caused more drama. That irked me, and made my eyes do that thing when I'm annoyed with a character.
All in all, fantastic love story about friendship, trust, lots of breakdown of D&D vernacular... I learned a few things and I don't play those games, and that ever elusive HEA in reality that seems to come quite easily in lesfic, but hey, I'm not complaining.
This will have been my third Magnolia Robbins book, almost back-to-back-to-back. This was a cute, sweet, and yes, nerdy tale about two best friends who couldn't be more different. One was a handsome, charismatic, famous actress with that butch charm, and the other was a quiet mouse who loved her job at the gaming store and thrived on kicking her friends' butts at D&D on break time. About a quarter of the way into the story I had a sneaking suspicion as to where the plot was driving us, and it wasn't all bad. I liked the faux-mance between the two main characters, it was fun and funny at times. I really liked how the author didn't make the two women pull away because one suddenly grew a conscious, no, none of that. It was straight to sex and man, was it hot. Who knew the meek and mild, quiet nerd would be the more dominant one in bed? I didn't, and the butch certainly didn't mind. Their romantic relationship came as second nature to them because they had already established a friendship years before, so everything was comfortable between them. Only now, they could truly express their attractiveness toward one another without any awkwardness. The only gripe I have about this book was when one of them made a mistake, the other refused to listen to reason and made immediate assumptions, which then caused more drama. That irked me, and made my eyes do that thing when I'm annoyed with a character.
All in all, fantastic love story about friendship, trust, lots of breakdown of D&D vernacular... I learned a few things and I don't play those games, and that ever elusive HEA in reality that seems to come quite easily in lesfic, but hey, I'm not complaining.
August 16, 2019
I like the fake-relationship trope when paired with a best friend. Chapter 3 set up the scene pretty well. Lucy accidentally spills grape soda on Reese at a restaurant, and the pair struggle to clean up. Lucy brings a backup shirt for her, and Reese agrees to tell her about how the date is going.
The book alternates perspectives, but I thought it was a little odd they were all in third person. Usually alternating perspectives is to give more insight into people's thoughts. The side characters don't serve much purpose in the story as everything focuses on the two main characters.
Between the two of them, I like Lucy more than Reese. Throughout the whole story, Lucy helps and comforts Reese. Plus, Lucy likes Dungeons and Dragons. Then chapter 22 had forced conflict which i didn't like. It was really out of character for Lucy.
I felt Reese was more of the main character. She's focused on her career as an actor in a scifi show. I thought she was maybe a little spoiled. She goes on dates/hookups that don't mean anything to her, and she does her best to ignore them. She has a problem with alcohol and is even mean to her fans. Then in chapter 26, Reese is a bit controlling of her relationship with lucy.
The narrator does pretty well with her performance at enforcing the side character stereotypes. The agent Regina has the voice of the annoying micro manager, and Justine sounds every bit as spoiled as she is.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
The book alternates perspectives, but I thought it was a little odd they were all in third person. Usually alternating perspectives is to give more insight into people's thoughts. The side characters don't serve much purpose in the story as everything focuses on the two main characters.
Between the two of them, I like Lucy more than Reese. Throughout the whole story, Lucy helps and comforts Reese. Plus, Lucy likes Dungeons and Dragons. Then chapter 22 had forced conflict which i didn't like. It was really out of character for Lucy.
I felt Reese was more of the main character. She's focused on her career as an actor in a scifi show. I thought she was maybe a little spoiled. She goes on dates/hookups that don't mean anything to her, and she does her best to ignore them. She has a problem with alcohol and is even mean to her fans. Then in chapter 26, Reese is a bit controlling of her relationship with lucy.
The narrator does pretty well with her performance at enforcing the side character stereotypes. The agent Regina has the voice of the annoying micro manager, and Justine sounds every bit as spoiled as she is.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
February 2, 2019
As most of my readers know I am a huge nerd. I love everything from board game to video games even D&D. When I saw Starbound by Magnolia Robbins on Kindle Unlimited I had to pick it. Lucy sounded like my nerdy dream woman and I was not disappointed.
Starbound hooked me from the very beginning. I loved how Reese and Lucy worked together to protect Reese from being forced to date her evil co-worker, Justine, for publicity. I have never really read a fake romance book before, but I really enjoyed this aspect of the book. Seeing how their relationship developed before they even really knew what was happening.
Lucy is my favorite character. She is so kind hearted and true to herself. She was even kind enough to try to comfort Justine before she snapped at her. The D&D games with Lucy’s friends is one of my favorite parts of the book. She paired perfectly with Reese whose character is a bit of a lovable mess. Reese can’t seem to get out of her own way. She constantly needs Lucy to help her fix what she has messed up.
As always Magnolia Robbins writes amazingly steamy sex scenes that will leave you squirming in your seat.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes friends to lover’s romances, fake romances, and nerdy romances. Hell, I would recommend this book to everyone.
Starbound hooked me from the very beginning. I loved how Reese and Lucy worked together to protect Reese from being forced to date her evil co-worker, Justine, for publicity. I have never really read a fake romance book before, but I really enjoyed this aspect of the book. Seeing how their relationship developed before they even really knew what was happening.
Lucy is my favorite character. She is so kind hearted and true to herself. She was even kind enough to try to comfort Justine before she snapped at her. The D&D games with Lucy’s friends is one of my favorite parts of the book. She paired perfectly with Reese whose character is a bit of a lovable mess. Reese can’t seem to get out of her own way. She constantly needs Lucy to help her fix what she has messed up.
As always Magnolia Robbins writes amazingly steamy sex scenes that will leave you squirming in your seat.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes friends to lover’s romances, fake romances, and nerdy romances. Hell, I would recommend this book to everyone.
January 16, 2019
I really enjoyed the geeky side of this story. I spend several hours each week at a game store really similar to the one Lucy works in, and the author pretty obviously has some experience with board games, tabletop games, card games and role-playing games. I also found the relationship between the two main characters to be pretty adorable throughout most of the story, even before they began dating in any capacity.
The biggest flaw I found with this book was how quickly the ending wrapped up. It was satisfactory overall, but I felt like there were some unresolved issues between the characters that just faded away without any real conclusion. I thought one character held onto her anger for too long, which contributed to the abruptness of the ending after that part was so drawn out. Until I hit about 80%, the pacing was very comfortable.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys seeing geeks represented in lesfic, and anyone who enjoys fake relationship stories. It's also just a fun read overall, and I'll definitely be reading it again.
The biggest flaw I found with this book was how quickly the ending wrapped up. It was satisfactory overall, but I felt like there were some unresolved issues between the characters that just faded away without any real conclusion. I thought one character held onto her anger for too long, which contributed to the abruptness of the ending after that part was so drawn out. Until I hit about 80%, the pacing was very comfortable.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys seeing geeks represented in lesfic, and anyone who enjoys fake relationship stories. It's also just a fun read overall, and I'll definitely be reading it again.
January 12, 2019
Fabulous
Another fabulous book and as ever all the characters are beautifully written Reece and Lucy BFF’S .Lucy a gaming Sci-Fi nerd and Reece an actress in a popular Sci-Fi show fake a romance so that Reece doesn’t have to date her co-star who she loathes!with a colourful cast of secondary characters it’s a great romance to snuggle up with on cold winters night in front of the log burner under a fluffy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate with all the trimmings.
This is an honest and true review of a free ARC of this book
Another fabulous book and as ever all the characters are beautifully written Reece and Lucy BFF’S .Lucy a gaming Sci-Fi nerd and Reece an actress in a popular Sci-Fi show fake a romance so that Reece doesn’t have to date her co-star who she loathes!with a colourful cast of secondary characters it’s a great romance to snuggle up with on cold winters night in front of the log burner under a fluffy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate with all the trimmings.
This is an honest and true review of a free ARC of this book
April 3, 2019
Listen, I love a nerdy reference - and there are a few endearing moments in this book - but there is no better famous lesbian falling in love story than In The Role of Herself.
That is my benchmark. This did not make it.
Reese, an actress on a well-loved sci fi show, a la Star Trek, needs a fake girlfriend. She enlists Lucy, her best friend and game store manager/d&d aficionado to help her out. Love ensues.
It's fine. I love the RPG references. But it's not enough. Also, Reese is a dog. Lucy deserves better.
That is my benchmark. This did not make it.
Reese, an actress on a well-loved sci fi show, a la Star Trek, needs a fake girlfriend. She enlists Lucy, her best friend and game store manager/d&d aficionado to help her out. Love ensues.
It's fine. I love the RPG references. But it's not enough. Also, Reese is a dog. Lucy deserves better.
September 20, 2020
Natural progression of their friendship
While I never love characters that can’t seem to communicate, I do love characters that just can’t resist each other and fall madly in love. I do believe they’ll work out any issues and come out stronger in the end. Reese and Lucy have a natural chemistry from their long time friendship and that’s what makes them so lovely together. I absolutely love Reese’s constant surprise when shy Lucy does take charge, or wear a figure revealing comic con outfit. It’s worth the time to read and I’ll look for more by the author!
While I never love characters that can’t seem to communicate, I do love characters that just can’t resist each other and fall madly in love. I do believe they’ll work out any issues and come out stronger in the end. Reese and Lucy have a natural chemistry from their long time friendship and that’s what makes them so lovely together. I absolutely love Reese’s constant surprise when shy Lucy does take charge, or wear a figure revealing comic con outfit. It’s worth the time to read and I’ll look for more by the author!
March 24, 2022
Sweet romance
Lucy and Reese has been friends all their lives. They grew up together and they were each other’s best friend. The characters in this book are very real and very lovable. The plot involves how they go from being best friends to lovers do the things that happened to each of them throughout the story. I recommend this book role who like a sweet love story.
Lucy and Reese has been friends all their lives. They grew up together and they were each other’s best friend. The characters in this book are very real and very lovable. The plot involves how they go from being best friends to lovers do the things that happened to each of them throughout the story. I recommend this book role who like a sweet love story.
January 27, 2019
Reese and Lucy's friendship is put through the publicity ringer of Reese's life as a famous actor. It's a cute, funny, sad story about creative young women learning to maneuver through the tangles of the Hollywood scene.
A fun read.
A fun read.
February 12, 2019
A Starbound
A story about an actress , nerd/screen writerv, agent and another actress this. was funny, sad, heartbreaking and a love story.
The author Magnolia Robbins did a good job writing this book.
Recommend yes
A story about an actress , nerd/screen writerv, agent and another actress this. was funny, sad, heartbreaking and a love story.
The author Magnolia Robbins did a good job writing this book.
Recommend yes
February 16, 2021
Cute story
This was a nice story. I really liked it. The nerdy stuff involved was different from the typical stories. I hope there's another book letting us know what happens after everything....
This was a nice story. I really liked it. The nerdy stuff involved was different from the typical stories. I hope there's another book letting us know what happens after everything....
April 7, 2019
interesting plot but the storyline was not hash out. it could be better
Read
January 7, 2020Got bored after 1.5 chapters, switched to another book.
November 29, 2021
Fun little read
An entertaining little read. The main two characters were fun to get to know and had you rooting for them by the end.
An entertaining little read. The main two characters were fun to get to know and had you rooting for them by the end.
February 6, 2019
The reason why I'm a fan of Magnolia Robbins's books is that she has a certain style. For example, if I want to read heart breaking romance, I turn to Nicholas Sparks. Similarly, if I want to be swept off with some mind boggling mystery, I turn to Sidney Sheldon. Magnolia Robbins is the one I turn to when I want to read some happily-ever-after, super-gay romance. And she never disappoints me.
Starbound was yet another sweet, enjoyable romance with lots of feels and gay in it. Reese and Lucy were such a cute couple, with their many differences falling short against their years long friendship. Best friends turned lovers is the best storyline ever.
I finished Starbound in a day, and it left me smiling. I'd definitely recommend you to read it if you're looking for a sweet, engaging yet light read.
Starbound was yet another sweet, enjoyable romance with lots of feels and gay in it. Reese and Lucy were such a cute couple, with their many differences falling short against their years long friendship. Best friends turned lovers is the best storyline ever.
I finished Starbound in a day, and it left me smiling. I'd definitely recommend you to read it if you're looking for a sweet, engaging yet light read.
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